Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Office Hours: 8 - 4 Monday - Friday
|
March 5, 2014
|
|
 God Calls
|
|
|
|
Passage to Ponder... Exodus 17:1-7 (NIV) The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So they quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses replied, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by Rev Steve Braden, Transitional Pastor
First Presbyterian Church Mishawaka
At our most recent session meeting, I asked the elders, "What do you like best about winter?" I was curious, because it was on one of those seemingly-endless cold, snowy days when everybody was tired of the season. The response was unanimous: they liked the beauty of the snow.
It reminded me of the 1912 hymn text by Frances Wile:
All beautiful the march of days, as seasons come and go;
The Hand that shaped the rose hath wrought the crystal of the snow;
Hath sent the hoary frost of Heav'n, the flowing waters sealed,
And laid a silent loveliness on hill and wood and field.
Though this hymn didn't make it into our new hymnal (to my regret), it remains one of my favorites, and has something to teach us all.
The seasons do come and go - seasons of the year, seasons of our lives, seasons of the church's life. As seasons change, there are inevitable losses: the warmth of summer gives way to the cold of winter; the green foliage and bright flowers give way to the gray and white of winter; the long summer evenings disappear into darkness. As we move through the seasons of our own lives, we face personal losses: losses of jobs, relationships, loved ones, physical and mental abilities, dreams and possibilities. It's tempting to become depressed.
Churches, too, have seasons beyond the liturgical year. Church experts have identified "life cycles" o f congregations, with seasons of growth, seasons of stability (often very brief), and seasons of decline. Indeed, seasons of decline are inevitable: we'd like to think that congregations can remain plateaued at a high level, but it just doesn't happen. Even mega-churches eventually face decline - as some are currently discovering.
Many of our congregations are facing the consequences of long-term decline. Although particular facts and periods of each congregation's history have contributed - especially times of conflict - there are larger societal forces at work beyond our control. These social changes have led to similar decline over most "mainline" congregations and denominations.
Seeing a beloved congregation decline is hard. We're tempted to focus back on the glory years, when the pews, classrooms, and church coffers were full. It's tempting to become depressed. But don't. Sometimes seasons of decline are terminal - Christ's promise of eternal life has never applied to congregations - but in other cases they lead to new focus, new creativity, new life and growth.
This change of seasons is upon us. As winter gives way to spring, there is a time of messiness - slush and slop and dirty snow. Changes in a church's seasons are similarly messy. But the reality of beauty and potential is still there.
Frances Wile's hymn reminds us that, within each change of season, there is God-given beauty and potential. Where do we choose to focus: on the losses that accompany change, or on the potential and "silent loveliness" of the emerging season? Christ continues to lead through the changes. May we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to follow.
|
Remember to set your clocks 1 hour ahead
this Sunday, March 9th.
|
|
|
|
Save the Dates
2014 COUNCIL
March 18
April 29
June 24
July 15
August 26
October 21
December 9
2014 ASSEMBLY
May 20
(Wabash Ave PC, Crawfordsville)
September 12-13 Retreat
November 18
******
Evangelism and Church Growth conference (ECG2014) -
Go. Disciple. Live.
August 11-14, 2014
TradeWinds Resort
St. Pete Beach, Florida.
|
|
Ministry Quick Links
|
|
|
| | | |
Prayers of the Presbytery
|
|
In the strength of your spirit and inspired by your compassion, we make this promise to work for change which empowers the forgotten. We wait confidently for the day when all things will be made new and those who weep will rejoice.
Please hold Rev. Nan Adams, Transitional Pastor, First Presbyterian Church Elkhart in prayer as she mourns the loss of the her mother.
We hold Rev. Maria Rutland, Minister Member at Large in prayer as she provides support to her ill parents.
Please pray healing for Barbara Vinson, Candidate as she continues to battle unknown medical issues.
How wonderful to be the recipient of the overwhelming Get Well Wishes assembly greeting as Gladys Sargent, PWV Office Manager, remains grateful for continued recovery prayers.
Please continue your prayers of healing for Rev. Jack Hess, Honorably Retired, as he seeks medical attention for a wound that developed from a surgery last year.
We pray for and with Delphi, First Presbyterian Church as they faithfully serve the community and have followed you, O' Lord since 1828.
Through your mercy we pray. Amen.
|
|
CELEBRATION of ORDINATION
| | |
Thank you for your ministry and your service...
- March 10, 1985 - Rev. Jeff Carter, Hobart Presbyterian Church
- March 11, 2007 - Rev. Johanna Wagner, Chaplin Culver Military Academy
If you have been omitted or your information in incorrect please accept my apology. Help to update your records by sending your current information to vicki@ourpresbytery.org. |
|
MARRIAGE STUDY CONVERSATIONS
| | |
The 220th General Assembly proposed that Presbyteries and congregations of the denomination make a study in pursuit of discernment about the broader cultural definitions of marriage as related to our Reformed Theology. To that end, two study guides evolved to course through discussions of the topic. A group of former and current Commissioners to the GA are interested in assessing the interest of those in our congregations who would attend a 2-3 hour session which would involve conversation and a theological grounding of the topic. Dependent upon interest level we may offer more than one session to make it geographically convenient for attendance. A proposed time for this (these) session(s) would be in early to mid May.
Please contact the Presbytery office, 574-223-5678 or email vicki@ourpresbytery.org if you or any in your congregations are interested.
|
|  | |
'NEXT Church' opens at end of March in Minneapolis
The annual gathering of "NEXT Church," an organization fostering relationships among God's people as it looks to the future of the church, will take place March 31 through April 2 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. "NEXT Church" cultivates connections, celebrates emerging leadership and innovation, and works with congregations and leaders to form and reform faith communities. Details about the annual gathering and registration information can be found at "NEXT Church." |
|
ATTENTION ALL CALLING ORGANIZATIONS AND CALL SEEKERS
| | |
|
The Church Leadership Connection (CLC) will host a Face to Face Event June 13 - June 17, 2014 during the 221st General Assembly (GA) in Detroit, Michigan at the COBO Convention Center. The event is open to all calling organizations and call seekers. We invite you to consider attending this event.
The design of Face to Face is to move beyond the written words of MIFs and PIFs. It is a time for discernment and meeting and talking with call seekers. It is an opportunity to be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit leading you to people you may have never imagined.
Face to Face Hours of Operation
Jun. 13 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (Orientation)
Jun. 14 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Jun. 15 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Jun. 16 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Jun. 17 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
You may attend a part or the entire five day event. Registration runs March 5 - May 23, 2014, to register for Face to Face go to: http://oga.pcusa.org/section/mid-council-ministries/clc/. Once you register, you will receive an email with forms to complete and return to CLC. There is no cost to participate in Face to Face however, if you are interested in participating in the assembly, the registration cost is $ 70.00. The fee provides a badge, access to assembly meetings and discounts on hotels. For more information see http://oga.pcusa.org/section/ga/ga221/.
We look forward to your participation in this year's event. If you have questions contact CLC at 888-728-7228 ext. 8550 for assistance.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley
Leadership Development, COM Support, & Church Leadership Connection
Office of the General Assembly
Mid Council Ministries
|
|
GENEVA CENTER 2014 SUMMER CAMP
| | |
You & Me: Ages 5 & up
June 26-28 (Thurs-Sat)3 Day Camp and
June 29-July 2 (Sun-Wed) 4 Day Camp
You & Me Camp offers grandparents, aunts, uncles, or special adults, and children to stay together in the conference center. You will participate in traditional camp activities, as well as have time on your own to strengthen your special bond.
1st Timers: Grades 1-3
June 29 - July 1 (Sun-Tues) 3 Day Camp
Designed especially for newer campers or as a beginning experience, this week is perfect for younger campers. You experience camp over a shorter period of time, but still have the opportunity to be part of all that camp has to offer.
Seekers: Grades 2 - 4
June 26-29 (Thurs-Sun) 4 Day Camp
A great opportunity for younger elementary age campers to experience all that Geneva Center has to offer without the intensity of the wilderness or off site experiences.
Ignition: Grades 4 - 6
June 8 - 13 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camp
A great opportunity for elementary age campers to experience all that Geneva Center has to offer without the intensity of the wilderness or off site experiences.
Jr High: Grades 6-8
Classic: June 8-13 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camp
This week is designed for Jr. High campers and will strengthen their relationship with God. Come join us and leave as a newly recharged person in the family of God.
Adventure: June 15-20 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camp
Adventure campers will take a trip down the river and camp under the stars. Enjoy fixing meals over an open fire.
Sr High: Grades 9-12
Classic: June 15-20 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camp
This is a week of swimming, hiking, crafts, and games dedicated to high school youth. You will experience all that camp has to offer as you draw closer to God and focus on God's call in your life.
Adventure: June 8-13 (Sun-Fri) 6 Day Camp
Adventure campers will take a trip down the river and camp under the stars. Enjoy fixing meals over an open fire.
C.I.T. (counselor in training): High School Senior - 1st year college
June 24-July 3 (Tue - Thurs) 10 Day Camp
Counselors in Training!! If you enjoy helping younger campers and would like to be a summer camp counselor one day, then this is the camp for you!!
|
|
FREE: SONGBOOKS, CANTATAS AND PIECE MUSIC
| | |
|
Westminster Presbyterian Church South Bend is Cleaning House
|
|
Position Posting: Director of Children's Ministry
| | |
Crossroads Presbyterian Church of Mequon, Wisconsin, a suburban area with a rural feel just north of Milwaukee. The church is seeking a full-time Director of Children's Ministry (DCM) who has an inherent sense of call, an excitement for presenting Christ to children and their families, and a heart overflowing with joy. For complete job description Click Here .
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume by May 1st, 2014 to: info@crossroadspres.org
|
Where is your General Presbyter
Rev. Frank Vardeman
|
Thursday, March 6
- Pastoral Visit
Thursday & Friday, March 6 & 7
- Commission on Ministry Retreat
Sunday, March 9
- First Presbyterian Church Hammond
Tuesday, March 11
- Scheduled Knee Surgery
Wednesday, March 12 - Sunday, March 16
- Out of Office
Friday, March 14
- Joshua Journey II Team
To inquire or invite Rev. Frank Vardeman, General Presbyter, to visit your church, please feel free to contact Gladys - 574-223-5678 or gladys@ourpresbytery.org.
|
|
Upcoming Events and Meetings
|
Severe Weather Policy
The PWV office follows the Rochester Community School Corporation's weather delay and/or cancellation decision. Voice mail at the office will include the status of meetings scheduled.
To confirm meeting status don't hesitate to call 574-223-5678.
Thursday, March 6 - Friday, March 7
10 am - Commission on Ministry Retreat Tuesday, March 1110 am - Commission on Preparation for Ministry Wednesday, March 12Noon - Northwest Church Professionals Gathering, First Presbyterian Church Crown Point (map)Thursday, March 1310 am - Stewardship Ministry Team (Go-To-Meeting) Friday, March 1410 am - Joshua Journey II Team Tuesday, March 1810 am - Council Thursday, March 2010 am - Commission on Ministry Leaders (Conference Call) All meetings posted on the PWV Calendar are eastern time (ET) unless noted otherwise. Please visit http://www.ourpresbytery.org/calendar.htm for more information regarding meetings and events or call 574-223-5678.
|
|
|
Presbytery of Wabash Valley & Geneva Center Contact InformationFinancial Consultant ~ Eric Herzog ~ 574-223-5678 ext 105 Geneva Center Manager ~ Cathy Adley ~ 574-223-6915 ext 200 Geneva Center Maintenance Director ~ Jeff Winegardener ~ 574-223-6915 ext 204
|
Nourished by the living waters of Jesus Christ,
we awaken, enliven and enhance worshiping communities
to courageously extend their branches
and bear new fruit in the Spirit.
|
|
|
|
